Jennifer Cohan
CEO, Leadership Delaware Institute
After 31 years of working with infrastructure and roadways, Jennifer Cohan is preparing a different path for herself as CEO of the Leadership Delaware Institute (LDI).
Cohan, the third woman to lead the Delaware Department of Transportation, had stepped down from her post in November and started learning the ropes. She officially steps into her new role on Jan. 1.
As adjunct professor at Wilmington University’s master’s program for leadership and public policy, Cohan was thrilled to be approached for the position. Leadership Delaware is a yearlong program that unites rising Delawareans to leave lasting change on the First State through issue-based focus forums on diverse topics ranging from the economy to corporate governance and more
“Years ago, I was first invited to speak at a LDI class, and I fell in love with the program. I wasn’t really looking to leave DelDOT, but after the recruiter for LDI reached out to me and we had very rigorous interviews, I realized I was ready for a new chapter,” Cohan said.
Cohan worked side by side with outgoing LDI CEO and founder Terry Strine, and the two picked the Class of 2021 together. Due to the pandemic, this year will focus on small groups rather than one class to continue the interaction in a safe way.
“My vision going forward is to make this a stellar organization with a far reach. Right now, I think the farther away you get from Wilmington, the less people know. I’d like to get more Kent and Sussex fellows and speakers to really gain that breadth of experience we have,” she said.
